CA Family Found Dead, Toxic Algae May Be To Blame: Report

MARIPOSA COUNTY, CA — A family of three and their dog was found dead on a remote hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada National Forest last week, where officials had warned visitors of a high concentration of toxic algae the month prior, according to authorities.

While a cause of death has not been publicly announced yet, the bodies of John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their one-year-old daughter Miju and their dog were all found dead on a hiking trail near Hite's Cove on Aug. 17, the Associated Press reported.

The area was treated as a hazmat site following speculation that the deaths could have been linked to toxic gases from old mines nearby. The hazmat declaration was cleared Wednesday and Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese said he didn’t believe the mines were a factor, the AP reported.

"I've worked in different capacities but I've never seen a death like this," Briese told KSEE.

On July 13, the U.S. Forest Service and Sierra National Forest said that a high concentration of algae bloom had been detected in Merced River, near Hites Cove. Officials warned visitors not to swim, wade or allow pets in the water amid "toxic algal mats" that had formed.

"Some species can produce toxins, and if present, can pose a risk to humans and pets," the agency said in a Facebook post.

The harmful and toxic algae, known as algal mats, can range from bright green, dark green, blue-green, orange and brown. They can be found in water columns and can be seen floating detached at the surface of some swimming holes or growing along the bottom of river beds, according to the state.

Last week, the State Water Resources Control Board said it was testing water in the area for any toxic algae blooms, the AP reported.

Two days after the family was found, a new sign was posted at the trailhead: "Harmful algae may be present in this water." The signage further advised against drinking water and eating shellfish found in the area, Newsweek reported.